Christmas Short and Sweet, page 39
Until she felt his eyes on her when she removed her shorts and shirt. Her one-piece suit was best for diving. It clung to every inch of her and she couldn’t help being a bit self-conscious at his appreciative look.
Grinning, she faced him.
“Not what we wore in New York. You were hiding behind all those suits.”
“And you camouflaged a pretty spectacular body in your suits,” he returned, drawing a finger down her bare arm.
Shelly felt the touch ratchet up her heart rate. Swallowing hard, she tried to laugh it off, but the truth was his touch electrified her.
Great, just what she needed–to be even more aware of Beau.
She turned deliberately and began to pull on her tanks, doing her best to breathe.
Checking each other’s gear once on, Beau set a marker buoy to let anyone passing know there were divers, then used the diving platform to step into the sea. Shelly followed immediately.
The day was as close to perfect as Shelly ever hoped to have. The water was crystal clear and swarming with colorful tropical fish. They followed one school of bright yellow fish, then were fortunate enough to spot a manatee in the distance. Circling around, she was delighted with all the aquatic life.
Lunch was delicious. The hotel had sent cold fried chicken and a fruit and even included a small chocolate mousse dessert for each. Filling, yet light enough not to interfere with diving later.
In the months since they’d left New York, they’d each kept in touch with different people in the company so brought each other up to date on what they knew.
“I bet it’s hard to make friends when you’re traveling all the time,” Shelly commented as she finished the last of the mousse.
He looked at her.
“It’s hard any time these days. I never know if they value me for friendship or for my money.”
“Ouch, what a cynical view. Why wouldn’t people like you for who you are, not your bank account?”
He shrugged. “Just saying that’s been my experience over the years.”
“You don’t think I’m like that, do you?”
He laughed and looked deep into her eyes.
“Shelly, you’re probably the one person on this earth I don’t suspect. When we worked together, you stood up to me more times than I care to remember. You are real and honest and I know you don’t constantly think about money or being seen in all the right places.”
“Good. I would be crushed if you thought I was some sort of gold digger.”
“An old-fashioned term.”
“Maybe, but it’s a perfect description.”
She looked at him thoughtfully.
“I think some of the women you dated in New York could be classified like that,” she said slowly.
He nodded.
“Make that most. I enjoyed some of them for their company. But there was always something just a little off that I’d get to feeling antsy and stop seeing them.”
“Well, you’re safe here in Key West. I’m the only one who knows who you are, to Dave and others you’re my friend Beau from New York.”
“Elizabeth Wilson and her father are staying the hotel, don’t forget.”
“Oh.” She thought about that for a moment. “Is she still single?”
“I’d say so.”
“Then watch yourself, I thought she was on the lookout for a rich husband when you were dating her a couple of years ago. That probably hasn’t changed.”
“Why didn’t you warn me?” he asked.
Laughing, she shook her head. “I drew the line at your personal life. How presumptuous that would have been if I’d said anything. I can imagine your expression if I told you that back then.”
He nodded, his eyes sparkling. “That would have surprised the heck out of me.”
She laughed again. “I’m sure.”
“Did you date when you lived in New York?” he asked.
“Of course.”
“I never knew that.”
“Well, you didn’t have to call florists and have flowers sent to me or order stuff from the local jewelry store. I had more knowledge than you did. And as I recall, I never had a picture in the local papers.”
“Any serious?” he asked.
“Not serious enough to stop me from moving to Key West,” she said.
“Guess that answers that.”
They had one more dive and then headed back to the marina.
“It’s been a great day,” Shelly said, pleasantly tired. “I’m so glad you wanted to do this.”
“I’ve enjoyed myself. It’s been months since I was diving. It’s too cold in the northern waters now, and not as much aquatic life to see as here. Up for dinner? Maybe you know a great casual seafood place we could have dinner–my treat tonight. You’re too tired to cook.”
“No dressing up, huh?”
“I’d like to go just as we are.”
She nodded and smiled.
“I do know just the place. It’s a favorite with my volley ball team. We may run into some of my friends there.”
“I’m up for that if you are.”
“I want to go home first however and wash the salt water off. I’ll give you the address and we’ll meet there in an hour,” she said.
“Deal.”
They caught a cab from the marina. Shelly was dropped at her cottage and then the cab continued on to the hotel. Beau was going to have the tanks dropped at Dave’s in the morning to be refilled.
A bellman jumped forward to carry the diving gear. Beau was half way across the lobby when Elizabeth Wilson popped up right in front of him.
“Hi Beau,” she said.
She was dressed up for dinner though he thought it was early for that.
“Elizabeth,” he said, stopping so he didn’t run her down.
“Care to join us for dinner? Dad will be down soon. We’re trying a new restaurant recommended for us. It’s supposed to be one of the best on the island.”
“I already have dinner plans, but thank you for the invitation.”
“How about tomorrow night or the next?” she asked. “You can’t be booked up every night. How many people do you know in Key West?”
“Sometimes you only need one. Have a nice evening,” he said sidestepping around her and catching up with the bellman waiting patiently by the elevator.
A Key West Christmas: Chapter Ten
Beau arrived at the restaurant before Shelly. He waited near the door watching as people entered. The customers reflected most of what he was seeing in Key West–laid back casual. It was hard to feel rushed in this tropical climate. And hard to think about business when the gentle sea breeze made everything fresh.
“Hi,” Shelly said as she walked up to him. “You must have been a million miles away, you didn’t see me coming.”
He smiled not wanting her to know exactly where his thoughts were.
“This place must do a good business, there have been customers streaming in and so far no one’s come out,” he said as he held the door for her.
“McDuff’s really good and not too expensive. Plus there’s a big deck right on the water where most customers congregate.”
They were soon seated on the outdoor deck and orders taken. A couple called out to Shelly and she waved.
“I walked over from the hotel and passed a Christmas tree lot. We can shop there after dinner for your tree,” he said.
“Then maybe get one for you, too. We should also stop for some popcorn and construction paper. I don’t have any ornaments. My folks started buying each of us kids a special ornament every Christmas, so I have a bunch, but they’re all back in New York.”
“I’m sure there are places to find ornaments around,” he said dryly. “No one’s going to miss a chance to sell as much as possible during the season.”
“What I’d really like is lights. Lots of sparkling lights. Then I can turn the tree on at night and enjoy the colors.”
“That can be arranged.”
“Can you have lights on your tree?” she asked.
“Sure if I plug into the electrical system. LED lights don’t draw much power.”
“Then you’re the one who needs ornaments,” she said.
“I like your idea of lights only. Let’s try it out. If the trees look like they’re missing something we can always add ornaments later.”
“Good compromise,” she said with a teasing voice.
Dave stopped by their table.
“How was the diving?” he asked.
“Great. We even took some picture. It was a super spot,” Shelly said with a bright smile. “Want to join us?”
“Naw, thanks. I’m meeting Phil and Bart. We’re planning a trip to the Dry Tortugas in a week. Weather holding, of course.”
“We’ll be by tomorrow to refill the tanks,” Beau said.
“I’m open at seven. See ya.”
He nodded and moved on to a table on the other side of the wide deck.
“I should have checked to see if you wanted to go diving again,” Beau said.
“I’d love to. I never get my fill.”
They’d both ordered the Captain’s Platter and when their meals came their plates were piled high with shrimp, crab, scallops and clams. Conversation stopped as they began to eat.
Shelly watched as Beau seemed to really enjoy the food. The place was a favorite of hers, but not as elegant or fancy as the restaurants he used to frequent in New York. Should she have suggested a more up-scale place?
No, she thought as she took another bite. When in Key West, do as the natives. If he wanted something different, he could say.
When they finished, they walked back along the route Beaut had taken. The tree lot was closed when they reached it.
Shelly looked over the makeshift fence.
“There aren’t a lot of trees left.”
“Not surprising this close to Christmas. But there are several small ones that would be perfect. We obviously need to come tomorrow when he’s open–which according to his sign will be at nine.”
“But he’s open until six, so we go diving first and then get trees,” she said.
“True. Okay, then. I’ll walk you home.”
“You don’t have to. It’s not far from here but out of the way to get to the hotel.”
“I’m not letting you walk home alone. It’s a nice night for a walk,” he said, reaching for her hand and heading in the direction of her house.
“How do you remember where I live?” she asked as they strolled along.
“Good sense of direction. I need it sailing where there are usually no visible landmarks to get bearings from.”
“Just water.”
“Right. Where here there are lots of landmarks. I recognize that shop with the T-shirts pouring out.”
She laughed. “Half the shops on the island have T-shirts for sale on the sidewalks. Not a very distinctive landmark.”
“This is your street, isn’t it?”
“It is. Lucky guess I think.”
Shelly was totally aware of Beau and her hand in his. She could feel the warmth from his body even though the evening breeze was cool. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been with a man who’d wanted to hold hands. She liked it. But wasn’t sure if she was making too much of it or not.
She’d never been part of Beau’s dates in New York. Maybe he held hands with all the women he took out over the years.
She didn’t think she wanted to ask him but she could wonder.
“I’ll meet you at the dive shop at seven, shall I?” she asked when they reached her door.
“I’ll pick you up. I have the tanks. We’ll wait for Dave to fill them and be ready to take off.”
She smiled and slowly withdrew her hand.
To her surprise, Beau leaned forward to kissed her gently.
She blinked, gazing up at him in astonishment. Licking her lips, she didn’t know what to say.
Apparently taking the silence as consent, he leaned over again and kissed her–deepening the kiss slowly as if to give her time to object.
Shelly had no intention of objecting. She stepped closer and wrapped her arms around his neck as he pulled her into a warm hug. The kiss continued.
When he pulled back slightly, she felt the cool night air brush against her heated cheeks.
“Umm, good night,” she said, and turned to enter her house before her knees gave way and she sank into a puddle.
“Good night,” he replied.
Shelly leaned against the door trying to hear his steps as he walked away. She heard nothing over the pounding of her heart.
Beau Charlmers had kissed her!
And it had been fabulous!
She danced across the room and back again. Her heart skipped a beat and pounded.
Then reality returned.
“He probably kisses everyone good night,” she said aloud, coming to a halt. “Tonight was my turn.”
Still all the times she’d been his plus one at events, he’d never kissed her before. Did it mean something? Or was it the island romance seeping in?
“Who cares? I liked it and if he wants to kiss me again, I’m all for it,” she said defiantly.
A Key West Christmas: Chapter Eleven
Shelly was waiting on the sidewalk in front of her house when the taxi arrived the next morning. She jumped in and greeted Beau and the driver.
“Another lovely day,” she said as they sped toward the dive shop.
“Weather forecasts thunderstorms this afternoon,” Beau replied. “I think we’ll only get in one dive this morning. I thought about trying for that wreck Dave told us about yesterday, the Maria Eleana. I’ve never explored a sunken ship before.”
“Sounds good. I saw one from a distance a few months back, but we didn’t explore it.”
“This one’s not too deep so we should be okay.”
Before long they were underway toward the coordinates Dave had given. The sky was cloudless, the breeze brisk, and the sea slightly choppy. But the sailboat slid through the water with a gentle rocking.
When they reached the location, Beau was careful to stop some distance from the exact spot so the anchor wouldn’t damage the sunken ship. He launched the dive buoy as well.
The ship hadn’t broken apart when it sank, though the mast had snapped off about ten feet above the deck. It was covered with sand and barnacles and looked ghostly to Shelly’s mind.
They swam around it, giving it a wide birth. Small fish darted through the openings.
When Beau swam to the old-fashioned spoke wheel, she watched as he gently stepped on the deck. A cloud of sand puffed around his flippers and then settled again. When he reached out to see if the wheel would turn, she swam closer. It seemed safe.
The wheel didn’t budge.
She swam beside him and reached out to touch one of the spokes. She knew nothing about this ship, but suspected it was one of the Spanish ones that used to ply the Caribbean. Probably sank three hundred years or more ago. Amazing that it still looked intact, but if the wheel was anything to go by, it was still a sturdy ship. She would have expected the wood to have rotted away by now.
Beau explored the deck, poking his head in through an opening at one point, but not venturing any further.
Shelly swam around the perimeter, then looked at the sea bed. They weren’t down very far, maybe only fifty feet. Surely there would be nothing left to scavenge after all these years. It was a popular spot for visiting divers and had been since its discovery several decades ago.
A canon protruded from a hole in the side. She swam closer and studied it, wondering if the ship had fought pirates and been mortally wounded. She needed to see if Dave knew more of the history of the Maria Eleana.
When they broke the surface some time later, Shelly was smiling.
“That was great. Much better than the ship I saw a few months back. That one was pieces scattered around. I wonder if it’s safe to swim inside?”
“I wouldn’t want to risk it, but it was interesting, wasn’t it. Did you see the canons?”
“Yes, did you see any damage that would have caused it to sink? I wondered if pirates had fired upon it or something.”
“There could be damage on the side it rests on. It wasn’t totally upright.”
They swam to the boat and soon had their diving gear off.
Beau studied the western sky for a moment.
“I believe the forecasts are accurate, look at the clouds building over there.”
Shelly nodded. “I saw them. Guess we need to head back.”
“We can eat lunch on the boat at the marina. Let’s get underway.”
The wind had picked up but was at their back for most of the way, skimming the boat across the waves. The ride wasn’t quite as bumpy as it would be were they tacking into the waves, but still rocking. The quiet in the marina was immediately felt.
Once they were tied up, Beau opened the picnic basket he’d obtained from the hotel.
Today there were roast beef sandwiches, Waldorf salad and an almond cake dessert.
Shelly ate with relish, hungry after their dive.
“Unless you relish buying a wet Christmas tree, we may not make it today,” Beau said glancing out a porthole at the gathering clouds. Thunder could be heard in the distance.
“I guess not.”
She didn’t want their day to end. But what could they do in the rain?
“Want to see a movie?” she asked.
He looked at her for a moment, then slowly nodded. “I don’t think I’ve been inside a theater in close to twenty years. Too busy.”
“I don’t know what’s playing but we can check it out,” she said fishing out her phone from her tote.
“There’s an action adventure one. That might be good. Or here’s a kid’s one that looks promising.”
She looked up and grinned at him.
“Let’s try the action adventure. What time?”
“Time enough for us to make it if we leave now.” She wrinkled her nose. “But I don’t want to sit around in a wet bathing suit all afternoon. We could make the three o’clock show.”
“Good plan.”
Beau picked her up via taxi after they’d had time to change. It had begun to rain and Shelly ran from her house beneath a large umbrella. She closed and shook it quickly when getting in, then closed the door.
